An Introductory Guide to the Flora of Antarctica

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Date

Permanent Link

Thesis Discipline

Science

Degree Grantor

University of Canterbury

Degree Level

Postgraduate Certificate

Degree Name

Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth and is well known for its extreme cold conditions
(Singh and Singh, 2011). The terrestrial biodiversity of the Antarctic is relatively low and simple
compared to that of regions at higher latitudes on Earth, with many higher taxonomic groups not
represented (Chown, 2007; Bednarek-Ochyra et al., 2000; Hughes and Convey, 2010; Pisa et al.,
2014). There are no terrestrial vertebrates in Antarctica, and faunal communities consist of
invertebrates: Diptera (two species of midges), Acari (mites), Collembola (springtails), Nematoda,
Rotifera, Tardigrada and Protista (Convey, 2007; Hughes, 2010). Antarctica is the only continent in
the world to have a flora that is dominated by lower plant groups, predominantly Cryptogams (Peat
et al., 2007). There are no trees or shrubs in Antarctica and the diversity of terrestrial vegetation is
restricted to five major plant groups: phanerogams (seed-producing flowering plants); and the spore
producing Cryptogams bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), lichens, algae and blue-green algae or
cyanobacteria (Coenraads and Koivula, 2007; Lewis-Smith, 20071
). Cryptogams play a vital role in
the energy flow and nutrient cycling of the Antarctic terrestrial ecosystem. They also provide viable
habitat for invertebrates, and can influence soil moisture and temperature regimes, e.g. moss
communities create their own microclimates (Bednarek-Ochyra et al., 2000). Fungi, algae and
cyanobacteria also play a central role in the stabilisation of mineral soils, which are a key
prerequisite for the secondary stages of plant colonisation and community development (Wierzchos,
2007).